Blog

04 Jan Ohio Scholarships

Ohio Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

Thinking about coming to Israel this summer, but feeling like the trip is a bit over your budget? Here at Livnot, we use every resource possible to try and help our chevre get their time of meaningful community service, hiking and spirituality in the beautiful city of Tzfat without burning any unseemly holes in their pockets. And so, we are bringing you a list of Ohio Scholarships available this summer, 2016, to help you make your Israel dream a reality. Just remember Ohio’s Three C’s: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus. Oh, my! Whether you are planning to come for one week, two, or six weeks, Livnot’s service-learning programs are all designed to build a community of like-minded peers, while experiencing challenging and beautiful hikes in the Galilee. Please note: Livnot U’Lehibanot is a non-profit organization and our program tuition is heavily subsidized, but we do not directly purchase airfare for participants or offer internal scholarships beyond the already reduced tuition fees. Participants can apply for scholarships towards their airfare through their local Federation scholarships, listed below.

Ohio Scholarships: Cincinnati

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati offers a generous scholarship of up to $5000 for travel to Israel on a post-high school program–including, of course, Livnot U’Lehibanot. Eligible parties are up to age 26, Jewish, have geographic ties to Cincinnati, and must be applying to a program that lasts two weeks or more. Either two consecutive weeks of Livnot’s Northern Exposure program, the two-week Emerging Jewish Leaders Program, or an Onward Israel Internship can be the right fit for this scholarship. Those interested should apply directly through Federation, “at least two months before payment is due to your trip provider.” For a June program, that means submitting your scholarship application to Federation by the beginning of April, etc. Those who have been to Israel previously are eligible for the grant, too. Questions, ask: Karyn Zimmerman – [email protected] or 513-985-1534

Ohio Scholarships: Cleveland

The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland offers need-based financial aid for post-high school and college-age programs in Israel, as well as Israel travel grants. Grants can reach up to $2000 for Israel first-timers, and $1500 for people who’ve been to Israel before. Contact Helen Wolf for more information about grants, scholarships and the application process: 216-371-0446.

Ohio Scholarships: Columbus

And last but never, ever least–Columbus. Through the Israel Experience program of the Jewish Federation of Columbus, eligible Columbus residents up to age 27 can receive a grant of up to $1500 towards a one-month educational Israel program. Applicants whose families are not based in Columbus, but who attend specified Columbus-area colleges, can receive up to $750. The application (including detailed eligibility requirements) can be found here. Still have questions? Contact Elana Polster at [email protected] or 614-559-3227 for more info. We hope to see you in Tzfat!Onward Israel: A six-week internship and community service program, Onward Israel is a resume building experience, good for your body and soul. With 15 hikes, 6 magical Shabbat experiences, staying in the heart of the Galilee in Tzfat. Participants stay at our campus in Tzfat for the duration of the program, and cost is only $500 for the six weeks. Participants will need to arrange their own flights, but scholarships are available through your local Federation. Northern Exposure: A one-week Israel experience program, Northern Exposure offers participants an opportunity to encounter Israel through community service, off-the-beaten-track hiking, and spirituality workshops. With challenging treks through the Galilee region, volunteer projects, thought-provoking discussions, and a home base in Tzfat (the of mysticism and kabbalah), you’ll get to know Israel like you’ve never known it before. Apply here!

Shayna Rehberg

Shayna Rehberg straddles the Gen X/Millennial divide in Tzfat with her four unique and creative children as an ‘unlabeled’ Jew. In all her spare time she also enjoys music, photography, blogging, collecting knives and teacups, swapping stories, and shopping in the shuk.

Marketing Speciaist

Jordan has joined the Livnot staff upon making Aliyah 2 years ago from New York. He has brought with him a rich set of expertise in the marketing field, and is responsible for fundraising and organizational development at Livnot.

The quality he appreciates most about Livnot is the organization’s ability to stay focused and goal-oriented for over of 30 years!

5 years down the line, Jordan hopes to see the “Beit HaKahal” excavation project up and running, and a central attraction in the North.

Currently residing with his family in the Lower Galilee community of Korazim, Jordan is a a lover of the Hermon and Meron mountains, as well as an avid skier- although his skiing skills are seldom put to use in the Holy Land climate.

Jordan Soreff

Advisor to the Director

Jordan has joined the Livnot staff upon making Aliyah 2 years ago from New York. He has brought with him a rich set of expertise in the marketing field, and is responsible for fundraising and organizational development at Livnot.

The quality he appreciates most about Livnot is the organization’s ability to stay focused and goal-oriented for over of 30 years!

5 years down the line, Jordan hopes to see the “Beit HaKahal” excavation project up and running, and a central attraction in the North.

Currently residing with his family in the Lower Galilee community of Korazim, Jordan is a a lover of the Hermon and Meron mountains, as well as an avid skier- although his skiing skills are seldom put to use in the Holy Land climate.

David Botzer

CEO & Strategic Coordinator

David is the son of Livnot founder Aharon Botzer, and the current director & strategic coordinator of the Livnot programs. An entrepreneur at heart, David has overseen a variety of projects, including the establishment of his current home community- Mevoh Dotan, where He lives with his wife and 4 children.

He was attracted to Livnot out of a desire to assist his father in maintaining the organization’s active programs, as well as recognizing the incredible potential for Livnot to become a hub for Jewish- Zionist activity. He most relates to Livnot’s all-inclusive attitude, allowing for a variety of Jewish people to feel at home within its programs.

5 years down the line, David hopes to see Livnot as a vital part of Jewish experience and activity, both in Israel and in the Diaspora. A former Navy Commando fighter, David puts his “Get it done” attitude to good use!

Lea Saida

Administrator for American Friends of Livnot U’Lehibanot

Lea received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the American University in Washington, D.C. She served as Assistant Program Director at B’nai Brith Women International before making Aliyah. In Jerusalem, she held the title of Director of Student Activities at the American College.

Lea later returned to the United States where she worked from 1992 through 2003 for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County first as Coordinator for the Federation’s Mission 500 to Israel and then as Director of the Israel Programs Resource Center. She has been with American Friends of Livnot U’Lehibanot since 2003.

Bracha Eitan

Executive Assistant

Bracha was born and raised in Jerusalem, the only “Sabra” in her family who made Aliyah from New York a few years before she was born. Growing up with an English-teaching, literature-loving mother and living among Israelis has given her proficiency in the English and Hebrew languages as well as the ability to be a correct and polite American even while maintaining forthright Israeli chutzpa.

After moving to Tzfat in 2012, the Eitans began regularly hosting Livnot Chevre for Shabbat. In 2016, Bracha left her job of six years as a Financial Aid Advisor at a US-based college, and joined the Livnot team as Aharon Botzer’s assistant.

Bracha lives in southern Tzfat and has a lovely view of the Kinneret with her husband Tzvi, their two kids, and two parrots. She enjoys painting, reading, and hearing good stories.

Tzivia Polsky

Office Manager

Tzivia was born in Israel on Kibbutz Sa’ad and shortly after moved around the USA with her parents. She returned to Israel on Aliyah to attend Hebrew University where she graduated with a degree in Social Research and Anthropology. She married Shmuel shortly afterwards and worked in administrative positions in the center of Israel. A side trip to Chicago to advance academic degrees lasted eighteen years where their three children were born, who are now grown and have blessed their parents with grandchildren.

Returning to Israel in 1994, Tzivia held administrative positions in private industries, and moved to Tzfat to join the Livnot staff in 1996. She serves as the Office Manager, and is kept busy with record keeping, grant writing, translations, correspondence, and is the epicenter of organization and order among the many projects of Livnot.

Banot Sherut Leumi

National Service Women

Banot Sherut Leumi (National Service Women) are young women who serve in different educational and infrastructure needs as an alternative to army service. All programs include two Banot Sherut who have gone through intensive educational training. These young women are madrichot, critical in the building of community within the group and in all aspects of the service-learning program.

Shlomo Tal

Educator

Shlomo Tal was born and raised in Kazakhstan in the Former Soviet Union. At the age of 15 he made Aliyah on his own, and studied Jewish philosophy and spirituality for a decade at various schools around the country. He served in the army as a counter-terror instructor. Shlomo fell in love with Tzfat 18 years ago and has lived there for the last three years as a program coordinator at Livnot, along with his wife, Orly, and their six children. He enjoys music, nature, painting, martial arts, and extreme freedom of thought.

Michael Even-Esh

Senior Educator & Nature Guide

Michael was born and raised in Kansas City. He received a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism before moving to Israel in 1979. Michael served in the IDF Paratroops, was a nature guide in the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, led exploration teams for the Israel Cave Research Center, spent time as a shepherd in the Galilee, was an organic farmer, and is a licenced tour guide. Since 1991, he’s been working with Livnot U’Lehibanot leading educational hiking trips, teaching classes, and keeping in touch with alumni.

Things he has been quoted as saying:

In a perfect world, your cave guide would not have claustrophobia.

Before you die, try to farm for at least a few minutes.

There is no such thing as a Jewmometer.

Michael also runs “The Jewish Snake Project,” in which he uses live snakes to teach groups about Jewish Values. He lives with his family (and snakes) in the Golan Heights.

Rabbi Dr. Meir Sendor

Resident Scholar

Rav Meir is a recognized scholar in the field of Jewish History, specifically the history of Jewish mysticism, philosophy and medicine. He holds a rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University, a Ph.D. with Distinction from Harvard University and a Master’s from Yale University. Rabbi Sendor lectures widely on his specialties and holds many classes on various Torah topics for all levels.

Meir Paltiel

Program Director

Originally from Syracuse, NY, Meir received his BA in American History and Political Science from Tulane University and his MS in Resource Management from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. He arrived in Israel in 1992, served in the Nahal Infantry Unit before moving to Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu. On Kibbutz, Meir was Assistant Manager of the Fisheries.

Meir joined Livnot in 2002 as a Program Coordinator and is currently Director of Programs and Alumni. He and his wife Nechama, live with their six children in Hispin on the Golan.​

Aharon Botzer

Founder & Executive Director

Aharon Botzer and his wife Miriam founded Livnot U’Lehibanot in 1980. Aharon is the organization’s visionary, and has dedicated his life to continually developing unique and relevant programs to strengthen Jewish identity among the unaffiliated. His creativity and wisdom are the driving forces behind Livnot’s growth and expansion, both in programs and in the potential of tapping into Livnot’s many assets and resources.

Aharon was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and has a B.A. in Education from Ohio University. He spent over a year hitchhiking and travelling in Central America, coming to the realization that having a Jewish identity is a treasure. He came to Israel in 1971 to study in Yeshiva, eventually arriving in Tzfat to teach English and Geography to high school students. He has been a licensed tour guide since 1984.

Aharon served as a non-combatant during his regular army service, and until age 56, he volunteered to serve in an infantry unit. Miriam and Aharon are blessed with seven children and many, many grandchildren.